The Skipper & the Billionaire Playboy

“I understand.” He squeezed her hand before tugging her closer to put his arm around her. There was nothing sexual in the touch,. It was simply an embrace of comfort and affection. “I love you enough to wait for you however long it takes. I’m going to be a better man for you and our baby, Nadia.”

She shook her head. “You can’t change for someone else.”

“Then I’ll change for myself, because my life is completely upside down and different from what I thought it would be. Without death looming over me in a decade, or the fear I’ll be sitting around with no memory of who I am, or worry about choking to death on water, life is suddenly vibrantly beautiful and full of possibilities.”

“Does that mean you’re ready for more adventures?”

He grinned. “I’ll always be up for the occasional adventure, but right now, I’d like to settle down here and run the company, marry you, and raise our child.” He held up a hand. “And somewhere in that plan, we’re going to make sure you get to pursue your dreams too. I’m not asking you to give them up. I’m sorry you have to delay for a little bit, but we’ll make it work.”

“I already had a plan.” She nibbled on her bottom lip as she considered her options. What he described called to her, and she was having a difficult time maintaining her resolve not to falter. “I think I’ve made the right contacts that I’ll always have an in with racing when I’m ready. I had a new job lined up, but I imagine Hugo will understand the change of plans.” Being newly married and with a baby of his own, she suspected he would not only understand but would approve of her staying with Sawyer instead of moving halfway across the world to skipper another yacht as a single mother.

“So, you’ll give me another chance?” he affirmed.

She nodded. “A slow, cautious chance, because I don’t want my heart broken again.”

He tilted his head slightly. “I broke your heart?” He asked it solemnly, but there was a gleam of hope in his eyes. “Does that mean you’d given me part of your heart?”

She sighed, allowing herself to rest against him and enjoy the embrace. “I gave you far more of my heart than was wise or sensible, and I did it in spite of my own best judgment. It’s going to take you a while to win it back.” Even as she uttered the words, she questioned how deeply she really meant them. She wasn’t going to let him off the hook easily, but Nadia knew that someday soon, she would be ready to trust him again and embrace their future together.

“You have to be kidding.” Nadia panted her way through another intense contraction as she stared at the large pink sapphire and diamond engagement ring Sawyer held out in front of her. “Now? You’re proposing right now?” She paused from castigating him to whimper and breathe as the contraction peaked. Only after it faded did she collapse against the pillow and look at the ring again. “You have the worst timing ever, Sinclair.”

He winced. “Oh no. I’m back to my last name. It’s a good last name, though, don’t you think? The kind of last name an America’s Cup champion would have?”

She rolled her eyes. “That’s still a few years away.” Nadia was planning to join the racing circuit once their daughter was weaned, but it would be at least a year before she even made it to competing for the Louis Vuitton Cup, let alone the America’s Cup.

Before she could say anything else, she had to deal with another contraction, followed by another right after. When she looked up again, the ring was gone, but he was right beside her. His hand held hers, and his arm was behind her back, providing firm support. She opened her mouth to speak, but couldn’t as yet another pain rushed through her. “Make it stop,” she panted. “Epidural.”

“Too late for that, dear,” said her obstetrician. Dr. Gale was entirely too cheerful about that too, the evil man. “You’re crowning, and this little lovely will be here soon.”

“You can do it,” whispered Sawyer as he brushed a kiss against her cheek.

Nadia summoned her determination, needing to end this delivery now, before she broke down into a sobbing mess. Why had natural childbirth seemed so appealing? She knew the health benefits, but right then, she would have gladly taken a mallet to the head if it would ease some of the agony.

Two more contractions, along with the infamous ring of fire, and she suddenly felt a lot better. The pain faded even more as Dr. Gale held up their squalling daughter. She was a healthy light-brown color, with clearly efficient lungs, and a head full of dark curls. Seconds later, she was on Nadia’s stomach.

Sawyer put his hand out for the scissors, cutting the cord without a hint of hesitation. When he lifted their daughter into his arms, he displayed no doubts. He was clearly committed to his new role and all-in.

As he brought Sailor to her, Nadia took the baby in her right arm, holding out her left hand with a tired grin. “Yes.”

“Yes?” His eyes gleamed with excitement.

“Yes,” she said again, no doubts either. A second later, the ring box reappeared, and the large diamond was nestled on her left finger. “Good lord, honey, if I ever get lost at sea, I can just catch the light off this thing and use it as a beacon.”

His cheeks tinted pink. “I wanted something as beautiful as you. The ring doesn’t even come close, but it’s the best I could do.”

“It’s lovely,” she said sincerely, dropping the teasing. “Not as lovely as Sailor, of course.” She bent her head to brush a kiss across the baby’s head as her daughter nuzzled at her breast.

“Or Sailor’s mother.” Bending down, he kissed her sweetly before easing away. “I love you, Nadia.”

“I love you too, Sawyer.” Not only did she love him, but she trusted him. He had lived up to his word every day since they had reconciled. He was there for her and their daughter. It meant the world to her, and she knew they meant the world to him.

The end